Description
Part Quiche, part Croque Monsieur, Easy Ham & Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Strata is my cheesy winter make-ahead lazy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 5 dried croissants, 2 cubed , 3 sliced
- 8 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy (35%) cream
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Dash of fresh herbs (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup sliced ham, cubed or shredded
Bechamel Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups cold milk
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup cheese (Monterey jack, mozzarella, cheddar, gruyere, swiss, parmesan or comté)
Instructions
- Prepare an 8 x 8 (or 9 x 9) pan with non stick spray or smear liberally with butter. Cut the tips off all of your croissants. Cube the two smallest croissants and arrange all the crispy bits in the bottom of the pan. Reserve the last three croissants, sliced crosswise for later.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt and black pepper together. Pour egg mixture over croissant bits and reserve cold.
- For the Bechamel Sauce:
– Melt butter in a sturdy pan over medium heat until bubbling.
– Add flour to hot butter and whisk or stir to make a pasty roux. Stir over medium heat a couple of minutes to toast flour well. Your roux should smell a little like cookies.
– Add cold milk, one cup at a time, whisking constantly until thickened, smooth and creamy.
– Remove from heat, season with nutmeg, salt and black pepper to taste. Allow to cool for about ten minutes. - To assemble:
Remove egg/croissant mix from fridge, top with chopped ham (cooked sausage, mushrooms or vegetables). Layer about a half cup of Bechamel on top of ham. Top with remaining sliced croissants, arranged neatly. Pour remaining Bechamel sauce over croissants to cover evenly. - Let Easy Ham & Cheesy Croissant Strata mixture stand at room temperature for a minimum of one hour to allow the dried croissants to soak up the liquid. (or cover overnight)
- Preheat oven to 350°f (180°C). Top with shredded cheese. Bake strata for 40 – 45 minutes, until bubbling in centre, the top is golden and crisp, and a knife inserted into the centre comes out (mostly) clean. (see note) Garnish with parsley or chives. Serve warm. Buy new pants.
Notes
If you like your eggs a little wet, shorten baking time by five to ten minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Croissant Breakfast Strata